Duquesne really shouldn't have a say. I don't know of any non-profit group that can actually influence public works or commercial enterprise.

Moreover, from a pragmatic standpoint, Duquesne would be well advised by taking a leadership role in community re-development of the lower hill. Rather than sit back and worry about casinos, how about sponsoring a few cleanup groups on fifth and forbes.

Bring Back KC wrote:Duquesne really shouldn't have a say. I don't know of any non-profit group that can actually influence public works or commercial enterprise.

Moreover, from a pragmatic standpoint, Duquesne would be well advised by taking a leadership role in community re-development of the lower hill. Rather than sit back and worry about casinos, how about sponsoring a few cleanup groups on fifth and forbes.

If anything, the only thing it does is encourage it. I have never once heard of UPMC claiming that a business couldn't operate adjacent to its facility.

UPMC played a prominent role in 2002-2003 in having operations like Pizzaz shut down on the corridor on Fifth. Furthermore, UPMC has been working in conjunction with the university at-large to change the appearance of Oakland and the storefronts and facades of the myriad business enterprises in Oakland, especially on behalf of the many families that take advantage of UPMC's world-class medical care. If you have been to Oakland recently, you will notice that it looks 10X better than it did even a few years ago. People with whom I have spoken have suggested that UPMC and the university itself-both non-profit enterprises-have played a prominent role in the commercialization of South Oakland.

I have absolutely no qualms with influential non-profit enterprises-like Duquesne, Pitt, UPMC-leveraging government to suit their needs. Now, whether GOVERNMENT should be responsive to those needs is debatable. But that is a separate argument.